From phones and PCs to fast food, author reveals how the world is getting faster

Many of us take for granted how fast our phones are, the fact we no longer need to sign for shopping and Google's Instant Search. The pace of life is the fastest its ever been and the rise of contactless technology and smart devices have put us in the midst of what's been called the'Great Acceleration.' Journalist and author Robert Colvile has explained our'insatiable' desire' for speed and convenience in his upcoming book'The Great Acceleration: How the World is Getting Faster.' The pace of life is the fastest its ever been and the rise of contactless technology (pictured) and smart devices have put us in the midst of the'Great Acceleration.' Author Robert Colvile has explained our'insatiable' desire' for speed and convenience in his upcoming book'The Great Acceleration: How the World is Getting Faster' Writing for The Telegraph, Mr Colvile said we have moved'towards a cashless, paperless economy – a world in which we no longer have to dig around in our pockets for loose change, but can simply swipe our way through lives with carefree glee.